Frostfire is a December Staff Pick at Indigo! It is also a Best Book for 3-5. It is on sale right now. You can pick up a copy on sale! https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/frostfire/9780735266988.html
Indie Kids’ Next Pick - Indiebound!
Thank you independent booksellers for choosing Frostfire as an Indie Kids’ Next Pick!
Frostfire - BOOKLIST Starred Review!
Frostfire.
By Elly MacKay. Illus. by the author
Oct. 2024. 44p. Tundra, $18.99 (9780735266988). PreS–Gr. 2
Two foxes clad in cozy coats head out into a dazzling winter’s day. Their cavorting is interrupted by a grumbling sound from somewhere in the distance. Miriam, the older sibling, confidently explains that the sound could have emanated from just one source: a snow dragon. Younger Celeste is intrigued by the possibility, though she questions the plausibility of its existence. Miriam insists snow dragons are real and answers all of Celeste’s questions easily. Why aren’t there any tracks? Dragons fly, of course! Why can’t they see them? They disguise themselves as snowbanks, leaving behind only traces of frostfire—the swirling icy patterns on glass. The intrepid pair tumble down snow-covered hills and skate on the frozen pond, all the while pondering snow-dragon specifics. Could it all be true? The sisters will have the unexpected answer before their snowy stroll is through. This gem of a story is an ideal cold-weather companion, offering wintry wonders and a humorous twist that sweetly shifts the dynamic between the sisters. The gently suspenseful story is satisfying on its own, but the exquisite paper scenes are a wonder as well. There are sparkling snowflakes, a glowing sky, and a cozy cottage beckoning the foxes home after an eventful day. Frosted endpapers are a perfect final touch. An enchanting outing that will have readers longing to wander a winter wonderland. — Emily Graham
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - I Am a Meadow Mermaid
This September I Am A Meadow Mermaid, published by Tundra, written by my pal Kallie George and illustrated by me went out to kids across Canada as part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. It is such an honour to have another book in her library. I love the small paperback size - so perfect for kids’ hand. So cute. Thanks Dolly!
“A farm girl with a big imagination turns her landlocked home into an ocean playground in this dreamy picture book by Kallie George with illustrations by Elly Mackay” - Imagination Library
Frostfire - KIRKUS Starred Review!
FROSTFIRE
BY ELLY MACKAY ; ILLUSTRATED BY ELLY MACKAY ‧ RELEASE DATE: TOMORROW
As contemplative and lovely as a walk in the snow.
On a quiet winter walk, two fox sisters look for a snow dragon and find magic in the natural world around them.
Miriam and Celeste meander through the glittering, silvery wonder of a snowy day. Miriam, the eldest and a self-proclaimed dragon expert, points out signs that a snow dragon is hiding in their garden. That low, rumbling noise is its roar; a snowbank is its camouflage; and the swirling pattern of frost on a greenhouse window is, in fact, frostfire. Miriam has an answer to all of Celeste’s questions: Why doesn’t the dragon leave tracks? Where does it go in the summer? Miriam also notes that dragons are sneaky and greedy and that they would love to eat Celeste. Bravely, Celeste marches off alone to confront the dragon. When she finds it, all is not quite as she expected. She returns to her sister, but now Celeste is the one armed with knowledge, and it’s Miriam’s turn to learn. The sibling relationship is sweetly authentic. Their dynamic has enough mild friction to ring true, with Miriam’s slightly know-it-all air and Celeste’s tendency to tag along and ask questions, but the sisters’ strong bond and mutual trust never waver. Whimsical illustrations feature dreamy colors and soft-focus backgrounds washed out with reflected winter light. This tale is magical anytime, but it’s a top choice when seeking a winter story that doesn’t center on a holiday.
As contemplative and lovely as a walk in the snow. (Picture book. 4-8)
Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children’s Literature
Winner of the 2024 Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children’s Literature!
“Too Early is a quietly stunning picture book. It can be used as a bedtime read, a study of light, or a read aloud to examine poetry and craft. Nora Ericson takes the age old problem of a child getting up too early and turns it into an olde about spending time with someone you love and teaches us how to notice the breath-taking awe of dawn.” - Karl Allen, Judge.
Coming in 2025! - TWELVE DARING GRAYS
I’m so excited to be working with the team at Candlewick on a new book by Nora Nickum called Twelve Daring Grays. It follows a group of whales that take a detour into the Salish Sea. I can’t wait to create these scenes in my little theatre.
New Book Deal!
The Bunny Ballet
Lately, I’ve been sitting by the fire and drawing bunnies. So many characters and costumes to dream up! I’m excited to be working with Nora Ericson once again (author of Too Early).
Interview with NPR and Julie Andrews!
It was an amazing experience to speak with Julie Andrews, her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton and the hosts at NPR about our recent book. I loved hearing about the inspiration for the story and how Julie and Emma write together as mother and daughter. Julie made me blush with her kind words about my art and after the interview was over we got a chance to talk for a while off the record. She has signed copies of our book at Sag Harbor Books.
In the Clouds
The Imagination Library!
In the Clouds will be in the 2023 Imagination Library. I love this program. I’m so excited about all the young cloud spotters that will be getting this book.